PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES—A study* finds favorable climate and grain conditions at the dawn of agriculture in western Europe. The spread of agriculture throughout early civilizations is a landmark event in human history, but the details of early agricultural conditions and practices remain unclear. José L. Araus and colleagues examined the La Draga archaeological site in Girona, Spain; the site represents early agriculture between 5300 and 4800 BC. Carbon isotope analysis of oak samples from the site suggested relatively wet climate conditions. The authors also analyzed the carbon and nitrogen isotopes, as well as the reconstructed weight, of wheat and barley grains. Next, the authors compared the findings on the La Draga grains with those from multiple other Neolithic sites from the western Mediterranean region. The analysis suggested that the inhabitants of La Draga operated extensive agricultural operations, rather than small gardens, under a wet climate and with moderate use of manure as fertilizer. Analysis of grain size and spike morphology suggested that the ancient plant characteristics were likely similar to those of modern-day crops. According to the authors, the favorable climate conditions, along with the well-developed crop traits, suggest that agriculture was likely consolidated when it arrived in western Europe.
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Pictured are sickles, digging sticks, and an adze recovered from La Draga (Banyoles, Spain). Salvador Comalat, Archaeological Museum of Banyoles
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Pictured is the excavation process at La Draga (Banyoles, Spain). Antonio Palomo
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Article Source: PNAS news release.
*“Isotope and morphometrical evidence reveals the technological package associated with agriculture adoption in western Europe,” by José L. Araus et al., https://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401065121
Cover Image, Top Left: The early grain/crops evidenced at the site were similar to that of today. Nickype, Pixabay
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